Ultrasonic Thrombus Removal System with Mechanical Grinding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for breaking up thrombi or plaque in blood vessels often cause physical trauma, as they rely on cutting tools, balloon dilators, or other methods that are not minimally invasive enough.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mechanical grinding tool and an ultrasonic device with a ball tip that grinds away or liquefies thrombi or plaque, using a generator with subgenerators for the grinder and ultrasonic components, allowing for controlled energy delivery and reduced trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If cutting devices or balloon dilators are used to open constricted blood vessels, then the fluid passageway is enlarged, but physical trauma is caused to the blood vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cutting tools and balloon dilators with an ultrasonic catheter system that uses ultrasonic vibrations to mechanically disrupt and remove thrombus material. The ultrasonic transducer converts electrical energy to mechanical vibrations at high frequency, which are transmitted through a needle tip to fragment and remove obstructions without the need for forceful mechanical dilation that causes vessel trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from low-frequency mechanical force (cutting tools, balloon inflation) to high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations. This parameter change allows for more precise and controlled material removal with reduced lateral forces on the vessel wall, thereby minimizing physical trauma while effectively clearing the obstruction.
2Area of stationary object
If rigid dilator devices are inserted to enlarge constricted blood vessels, then the fluid passageway is opened, but physical trauma is caused to the blood vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes rigid mechanical dilators with a flexible catheter delivery system that delivers ultrasonic energy. The catheter can be advanced through the vasculature in a flexible, compliant manner and then activated to remove obstructions using ultrasonic vibrations, eliminating the need for forceful rigid dilation that causes vessel injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs mechanical vibration in the form of ultrasonic frequencies to remove thrombus material. The ultrasonic transducer generates high-frequency vibrations that are transmitted through the needle tip to fragment and remove the obstruction, providing a non-traumatic alternative to rigid mechanical dilation.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If scoring devices are used to remove matter causing obstruction, then the obstruction is removed, but physical trauma is caused to the blood vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces scoring devices with an ultrasonic ablation system. The ultrasonic transducer generates high-frequency vibrations that are transmitted through the needle tip to fragment and remove thrombus material through cavitation and mechanical disruption, eliminating the need for scoring actions that cause vessel wall trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mechanical vibration at ultrasonic frequencies to disrupt and remove the obstruction. The vibrations create cavitation bubbles and direct mechanical forces that fragment the thrombus material, allowing for effective removal without the contact and scoring actions that cause physical trauma to the vessel wall.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively removes thrombi or plaque with minimal trauma to the blood vessel, utilizing mechanical grinding and ultrasonic vibrations to break down obstructions without causing significant physical damage.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic handpiece includes a transducer and a ball tip connected mechanically to the transducer. The amplitude of the vibrations at the ball tip is associated with electrical energy provided by the ultrasonic subgenerator to the transducer.
Implementation Method 2
The grinder handpiece includes a motor and a grinding tool connected mechanically to the motor. The rotational speed of the grinding tool is associated with electrical energy provided by the grinder subgenerator to the motor.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a generator with a grinder subgenerator and an ultrasonic subgenerator, a grinder handpiece, and an ultrasonic handpiece. The grinder handpiece is connected in electrical communication with the grinder subgenerator. The grinder handpiece includes a motor and a grinding tool connected mechanically to the motor. The rotational speed of the grinding tool is associated with electrical energy provided by the grinder subgenerator to the motor. The ultrasonic handpiece is connected in electrical communication with the ultrasonic subgenerator. The ultrasonic handpiece includes a transducer and a ball tip connected mechanically to the transducer. The amplitude of the vibrations at the ball tip is associated with electrical energy provide by the ultrasonic subgenerator to the transducer.